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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

May was an exciting month for Archway Programs, and it provided an opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishments, big and small, we have shared so far this year. 

As I enjoyed the Lower School Annual Spring Show, I considered the hard work, patience, and time that goes into a production that lasts only an hour for us in the audience. The number of people that come together, coordinating their talents and strengths, to set up the show, teach the students their numbers, and numerous rehearsals, so parents and staff can not only be entertained but also marvel at the accomplishments of each individual student. The students' parts match their strengths, so they, too, can enjoy the moment.  

The Careers Luncheon reminded us of the importance of our relationship with our surrounding community and businesses. Together we are providing opportunities for our students they may not otherwise realize. The connection and opportunity for inclusion cannot be overemphasized. 

The program staff in our group homes work to ensure our residents feel included in our community. They always take advantage of every opportunity to attend a dance or participate in local events. They go on field trips and outings to bring our residents to the community, so they can take advantage of the opportunities we often take for granted. 

Every day I am reminded of how proud I am of the positive impact Archway continues to have on the communities we serve. All our dedicated employees work continually to find ways to improve the lives of those in our care and their families. We will continue to listen to those we serve, their families, our community, and our stakeholders for valuable input into how we can continue to grow and improve our services and expand our reach. 

Archway's greatest asset is our incredible staff. Our administrative staff, maintenance workers, transportation, program staff, and teachers are the backbone of our company. All of you contribute to the whole; without you, Archway would not exist. So, thank you again for your dedication and service. 

Sincerely, 

George Richards 

CEO/CFO 

Archway Celebrates School Principals’ Day

On May 1st, Archway celebrated School Principal’s Day. Archway students, parents, guardians, and staff are lucky to have school principals who go above and beyond daily. They are mentors and role models that lead with compassion and understanding. Their kindness and caring may last only moments, but their positive imprint on our children will last a lifetime. Thank you, Upper School Principal Mark Letiziano, Lower School Principal John Petsch, and Cooper’s Poynt Supervisor Carly White. We appreciate your dedication and hard work. 

Mark Letiziano, Upper School Principal

John Petsch, Lower School Principal

Carly White, Cooper’s Poynt Supervisor

Recognizing Archway Nurses on School Nurse Day

George Richards and Lori Gregor Run for Woods

Woods Services held its Run for Woods 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run in Langhorne, PA. Sunday, May 7, 2023. George Richards, Archway Programs CEO/CFO, and Lori Gregor, Archway Speech and Language Specialist, showed their continuing support by joining the event and doing their part to further the Woods’ fundraising efforts. We are Archway Proud of them both! 

Upper School's Most Creative Bulletin Boards

Upper School always has awesome bulletin board designs lining the walls of the halls during the month of May, but staff members choose the best and most creative designs as the monthly winners once a month. For May, three designs stood out from the rest and were chosen as cream of the crop.  

Winner 1 - Room 22: "Spread Your Wings & Fly"  

Winner 2 - Room 13: "Taco Bout a Great School"  

Runner Up - Room 12: "When Painting Your Future, Don't Let Anyone Else Hold the Brush" 

Great job, everyone. As usual, they are all fabulous! 

Spread Your Wings and Fly

Taco Bout a Great School

When Painting Your Future…

Upper School Staff Breakfast

In celebration of Staff Appreciation Week, the Upper School offered staff members a delicious hot breakfast. The catered fare included eggs, home-fried potatoes, quiche, fresh fruit, danishes, and more. Everyone enjoyed the special treat and appreciated the recognition for their hard work throughout the year.  

Upper School Softball Game

The Upper School Archway Owls headed off in a home-field softball game against the Mercer County Special Services School District on May 16th as part of their eight-game schedule during May. The players for both teams gave it their all and played a great game, but the Archway Owls took the lead and brought home the win with an 8 to 6 victory! Congratulations, Archway Owls, on your well-deserved win! Great job, MCSSD; you all played a great game! 

Upper School Careers Luncheon and Awards Ceremony 

On May 24th, students and staff from Archway Upper and Lower Schools gathered to celebrate the partnership between the Archway Career Center and local businesses. Masters of Ceremonies Mark Jones and Ariela Rosario started the celebration with an introduction to the Executive Director of Education, Susan Lafferty, to deliver the Welcome to attendees.  

Keynote Speaker and Archway Alum, Mr. Jose Bracero, followed Ms. Lafferty with an inspirational speech outlining his academic and career path, including and thanking his former Archway teachers and staff. He encouraged current students to use the assistance offered, believing it was integral to his success as an adult.  

“Accept the assistance you’re offered now,” he said. “It won’t always be there later.”  

Ms. Karen Tiver, School Intake Supervisor, delivered the Greg Trefz Memorial Award, followed by the Janet Geiger Memorial Award presented by Ms. Monica Donley, Special Education Coordinator.  

The Outstanding Achievement Awards, Horticulture Awards, Culinary Awards, Graphic Design, Career Education, and the Kris Henle-Blank Awards followed a delicious lunch buffet. Upper School Principal Mark Letiziano delivered an inspired speech praising students, staff, and community members during his closing remarks, bringing the ceremony to an end.   

We are all proud of our students and appreciate the support of our staff, community, parents, and our participating students. The Careers Program has a lot of working parts, and it takes the dedication, experience, and determination of many to make it the success we see today.  

To view the photo gallery visit our Facebook Page or the Archway Programs website. 

Mr. Mark Letiziano delivers an inspiring speech during the closing remarks.

Ms. Lafferty shares her thoughts on the success of the Careers Program.

Keynote Speaker and Archway Alum, Mr. Jose Bracero delivers his opening remarks.

Upper School Celebrates with their Annual Spring Fling 

The Upper School held its Annual Spring Fling on Thursday, May 25th. Celebrated at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin, students and staff showed up dressed to impress. Everyone brought their best moves to the dance floor, and some showed off their agility and flexibility while competing in a good-natured game of Limbo. Students and staff all enjoyed socializing and a delicious luncheon and tasty dessert. Everyone had a fabulous time and made terrific lasting memories; it was the perfect start to the Memorial Day weekend.

To see more prom photos, please visit our Facebook page.  

Lower School Celebrates Staff Appreciation Week

Archway Lower School kicked off Staff Appreciation Week with Snack Attack and The Employee Wheel! Sandy Goc, Lower School Secretary, treated staff members to charcuterie boards overflowing with delicious cheeses, salami, and pepperoni. Crisp crackers and plump white and purple grapes accompanied the meats and cheeses making it a pleasant and tasty surprise for everyone. Later, Mr. John, Lower School Principal, and Caitlyn, Assistant Secretary, spun the Employee Wheel, and two lucky staff members went home with a cash reward!  

Tuesday, day two, was “Surprise Day.” Staff members were surprised with Goodie Boxes filled with popcorn and other treats as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. John Petsch, Lower School Principal, visited each classroom to hand-deliver the Goodie Boxes along with a heartfelt message of thanks to every staff member.  

Wednesday, day three of the festivities, staff members were greeted with fresh morning donuts and delicious coffee to help start their day, while day four featured a delicious Ice Cream Party! Everyone was offered their choice of whipped cream, cherries, a variety of nuts, M&Ms. And many other goodies and toppings. The party was a delicious thank you to the Lower School “Sweet Staff.” 

On the fifth and final day of Staff Appreciation Week, staff members were treated to a delicious lunch from the Hands Down BBQ lunch truck. The food was delicious, and everyone enjoyed the special lunch closing out the week of special activities but not the continued appreciation. 

Mr. Charles enjoys an ice cream sundae as part of Staff appreciation Week.

Mr. John delivers goodie bags to surprised staff.

Miss Sandy places her order for a delicious lunch during staff appreciation week.

Lower School Students Shine During the Spring Show

May 17th-18th, Lower School students shined as they performed in the Annual 2023 Spring Show. The theme for this year was “Archway Goes to the Beach!” and it was fabulous! The students did an excellent job singing beach-themed songs such as “Rockaway Beach,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “On the Way to Cape May,” and, of course, “Wildwood Days!” The students all did a fabulous job, and the audience loved their performances. 

Thank you to Mr. Lucas, Lower School Music Teacher, for his hard work and dedication to the students.  

Thank you to the Special Services team for their work preparing the students, and thank you, Mr. Creedon, for emceeing the production. 

Thank you to Miss Shayla, Lower School Art Teacher, for decorating the all-purpose room with student artwork for the accompanying art show. 

Thank you to Mike Smalley, Maintenance Supervisor, and the maintenance team for setting up the stage and seating. Thank you to all the parents, family members, and friends that joined us to cheer on our performers! The value of your presence and support is immeasurable! This would not have been possible without all of you. 

Thank you to Mike Smalley, Maintenance Supervisor, and the maintenance team for setting up the stage and seating. Thank you to all the parents, family members, and friends that joined us to cheer on our performers! The value of your presence and support is immeasurable! This would not have been possible without all of you. 

Lucien's is Transformed into a Magical Arabian Night for Prom

The ballroom at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin was transformed into a magical scene from the Arabian Nights for the Lower School Annual Prom. As students arrived, a backdrop of themed decorations, jewel-tone glassware, and colorful accents provided an exciting and festive atmosphere. With music pouring from the ballroom, they were ready to dance and enjoy the company of their classmates and friends. Everyone looked fantastic while dressed for the special occasion as they gathered on the dance floor or socialized around the ballroom. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch and had fun donning silly hats and holding signs while posing for pictures in the photo booth. It was a memorable afternoon, and everyone enjoyed a fabulous time. If you would like to see photos from their exciting Arabian Night adventure, please visit our Archway Facebook page. 

Voorhees Ladies Enjoy an Evening of Dinner and Dancing at the Camden County Special Pops Dance 

A colorful Luau theme and lively music set the stage for the Camden County Special Pops Dance. The ladies from our Voorhees group home attended the dance at the Magnolia Community Center on Thursday, May 18th. They enjoyed a delicious dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, festive music, dancing, and socializing with their friends. 

It Was Prom Night for the Lovely Ladies from our Voorhees Group Home

May was prom month for many of the local schools in our area. Not to be left out of the glamour and excitement of such an exciting social event, the ladies from our Voorhees group home attended a prom hosted by the Catholic Daughters at St Mary's Church in Williamstown. The ladies danced, sang karaoke, played limbo, and participated in a hip-swooshing hula hoop contest. The evening ended on a high note when Molinda was crowned "Prom Queen." What an exciting moment! The ladies had a wonderful time and enjoyed dancing and socializing with the other attendees. 

Earth Day Project/Mother’s Day

Cooper's Poynt School students learned and worked through the steps to grow potted plants as part of a hands-on Earth Day project. The students did such an excellent job on their houseplant project that they turned them into wonderful and thoughtful Mother's Day gifts for Mom! The plants look lovely, and the cards and baskets made an extra special gift for Mom! Great job, everyone. 

Horticulture Club Meeting

During the Horticulture Club meeting, ACT (Adult Counseling and Therapy) Program participants spent some time outdoors working on their vegetable garden. The group grows vegetables they later use to make delicious home-cooked meals during cooking class. We can’t wait to see all the delicious dishes they prepare and all the delightful vegetables the group is cultivating and growing!   

Saturdays With Friends

The Archway Saturday Drop-in Respite Care participants have been busy sharing their Saturdays. During May, they enjoyed a variety of arts and crafts projects, cooking together, sharing meals, and spending time outdoors around our beautiful Archway Campus. Check out a few of the many images of the participants captured by our staff enjoying their time in the program. 

Experience the Beauty Of Blue Violet Flowers & Gifts

Whether celebrating a special occasion, showing love, or saying thank you or I'm sorry, Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts can create a unique arrangement that perfectly matches your needs. Just a reminder, Archway Programs employees are eligible for 10% off on any plant, bouquet, or floral arrangement up to $100.00! https://bluevioletflowers.org/

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Welcome to the Archway Family!

We are proud to welcome new employees to the Archway Family as our organization expands, allowing us to help more families throughout the community. Please help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the Archway Family!

Allies Hosts Third Annual Nurse Appreciation Event to Celebrate Nurses Week

In recognition of National Nurses Week, Allies hosted their third annual Nurse Appreciation Event at their administrative offices on May 10th. At the event their Executive Team and other staff members honored Allies’ “2023 Nurse Stars”: Osman Kamara, LPN, Charles Jallah, LPN, Taciea Sassafras, LPN, Regional Nurse and Merinda Coleman, LPN. To read more about the event and learn what makes these nurses special, visit: https://alliesnj.org/2023/05/12/2023nursesweekevent/.

If you have news or information you would like to see in the next issue of The Bridge, please contact Kelly by phone: 856.767.5757 ext. 242 or by email: kelly.jones@archwayprograms.org.